Two Days in Palm Springs

After San Diego, we continued our tour of Southern California by heading east to the desert for a respite (even though the mercury stayed above 100 degrees!). Here is my guide for two daysin Palm Springs:

Arrival:

Take the scenic route from the California coast along the winding mountain roads to get to the Coachella Valley, just be sure you don’t have a fear of heights 😉

Once you arrive in Palm Springs, check into the Parker Palm Springs – Jonathan Adler’s quirky oasis in the desert. The compound is shrouded in lush flora and is home to many fantastic amenities such as two outdoor pools, a lemonade stand, a petanque court, giant chess, and an outdoor fire pit. Relax with dinner at Norma’s before retiring to your room for the night.

Day One:

Start your day with a visit to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club and breakfast at King’s Highway – a converted Denny’s with ricotta hot cakes and Stumptown coffee that is sure to get you going in the morning. Make sure you pop into the vintage photobooth in the hotel lobby before heading out.

Make the Palm Springs Visitor Center your first stop to pick up a map of noteworthy mid-century architecture and embark on a self-guided driving tour of the classic homes of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Palm Springs has the largest collection of mid-century modern architecture, so jump in your car and take advantage of one of the few times you are encouraged to be a snooping neighbor while scoping out the Kauffman House or where Elvis spent his honeymoon.

For dinner, head over to The Saguaro and dine at Tinto – Iron Chef Jose Garces’ delectable Spanish tapas restaurant that provides a dark sexy foil to the bright energetic hotel.

Day Two:

Have your breakfast in the room before taking advantage of the Palm Springs Yacht Club – where they believe you can swim right after you eat. Have a treatment or take a dip in the body-temperature indoor saline pool before checking out – what better way to end your sojourn in the desert?